Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Hidden Bestiary of Marvelous Mysterious and (maybe even) Magical Creatures
Illustrator: Laura Francesca Filippucci
Poetry Picture Book
For ages 7 to 9
Sleeping Bear Press, 2011 ISBN: 1585364339
Dr. Basil Bernard Barnswhitten (B.B.B.) is an explorer who is looking for “exotic,” “mysterious and rare” creatures. He begins his search in a museum, and he wonders which of the creatures that he learns about are “real.” Which are extinct, which are endangered, and which (as far as we know) never existed at all?
With his introductory poem to guide you, you can join B.B.B as he travels to thirteen fascinating places around the world. Go to the jungle to look for a kakapo (a kind of parrot), and to a desert to find a jackalope. Fly in a hot-air balloon looking for the dodo, a flightless bird. We read about how "it's been years / Since the last one was spotted." If you look carefully at the scenes provided, you will find all kinds of surprises, and you might even see the magical and not so magical creatures that B.B.B. is looking for.
With delightful illustrations and clever rhymes, this poetry picture book will delight young readers who are interested in natural history mysteries. The illustrations are full of hidden animals, and at the back of the book, readers will find further information about the thirteen creatures that B.B.B. is seeking.
